Columbus, OH — On Thursday (Jan. 27), Chairperson Ivan Axelrod and Directors Ben Kenney and David Siegel hosted the annual District 3 meeting via Zoom.

Following the introduction of the directors, recorded opening messages from USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner and USTA President Russell Williams were presented.

The remainder of the agenda included a discussion of and voting on 26 rule change proposals.

Following are the results on the 2022 rule change proposals from District 3:

Rule Change Proposal Voting — Results
#1      (Medical assistance/back-up ambulance)                 Approved
#2      (County fair charting timeline)                                 Approved as Amended
“by 11:59 p.m. of the race date.”
#3      (Microchip optional horses born before 2019)         Approved
#4      (State vet regulation of microchips)                         Approved as Amended*
#5      (Draw video and recording)                                     Approved
#6      (Blood samples for claims)                                      Approved
#7      (Voidable claims – injury)                                       Approved
#8      (Stakes payment dates)                                            Approved
#9      (Driver selection in stakes races)                             Rejected
#10    (Interference before start)                                        Rejected
#11    (Trainer continuing education)                                Approved
#12    (Whip specifications)                                               Rejected
#13    (Breaking horse disqualification)                             Rejected
#14    (Stallion limit increase)                                            Rejected
#15    (Charitable breedings offered)                                 Rejected     
#16    (Outstanding horse names)                                      Approved
#17    (No horse name changes)                                        Rejected
#18    (ID of broodmares)                                                  Approved as Amended*
#19    (Embryo transfers)                                                   Rejected
#20    (Parentage verifications)                                          Approved as Amended*
#21    (Horse ID requiring chip and FB)                            Approved as Amended*
#22    (Breeder location)                                                    Rejected
#23    (Equestrian membership fees)                                 Approved as Amended
#24    (Addition of equestrian membership)                      Approved as Amended
#25    (Universal election date for directors)                      Approved
#26    (Trainer continuing education bylaw)                      Approved

*As proposed by Director David Siegel and one of the sponsors, Ellen Harvey, rule change proposals 4, 18, 20, and 21 were approved with their amendments.

Following the voting, Chairperson Axelrod thanked all of the participants. Chris Schick provided an update on racing, regulatory issues, vet exam requirements, withdrawal times and business, purses and the sire stakes program. Schick indicated that there is exploration of racing in Nevada and Arizona.

Axelrod inquired about sports wagering in the state and if harness racing will be included. Schick discussed potential propositions that could be put on the ballot.

Tim Bohannon gave an update on racing in Nevada and a potential site for a track in the state.

The meeting commenced at 4 p.m. (EST) and was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

For the videos of this and previous USTA District Meetings, click here.